Today, people connect online in fast and easy ways. Custom servers, voice chats, and real-time sharing all happen in one place now. Every day, millions jump into these digital spaces to talk, work, and learn. Gamers, artists, teachers, and business owners all find a spot they can call home. But it wasn’t always like this.
A few years ago, we didn’t have tools like these. Apps like Discord, the now-famous platform, started small in 2015. It was just a simple voice app for gamers. No one knew it would grow into a giant with over 250 million users. It’s smart setup—simple servers, easy-to-use screens, and strong privacy—has changed how people talk online.
What began as a fix for bad gaming chats soon became the map for today’s online groups. As Discord got bigger, people wanted even more apps like it for different needs. Entrepreneurs got excited. Every mobile app development company saw a golden chance.
Now, many are asking: how can you build the next big thing, like apps like Discord? Whether you’re a startup or a pro mobile app development company, a strong MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is where it all begins. In this blog, we’ll dive into that question. We’ll look at the cost, time, and smart steps needed to build your own app. So, if you dream about creating the next big real-time chat app, let’s rewind the journey and break it all down.
What made Discord a pioneer in the rise of community platforms?
Back in 2015, Discord launched with a simple goal. It wanted to give gamers a better, faster way to talk while playing. At that time, people were stuck using tools like TeamSpeak and Skype. These apps were popular, but they were slow and not built for fast gaming.
The founders of Discord, Jason Citron and Stan Vishnevskiy, were gamers too. Before Discord, they worked on a mobile game called Fates Forever. Sadly, that game didn’t take off. But while working on it, they saw a huge problem: players needed better ways to talk during the game. That big need pushed them to build Discord.
At first, Discord was all about simple, free, and fast voice chat. It was easy on your computer’s memory and worked quietly in the background. That made it way better than other apps. Even today, every mobile app development company tries to copy this smart idea. They know a small, fast app (an MVP) can grow big quickly.
Soon, gamers loved Discord. But the platform didn’t stop there. It got even better when it added free servers. Anyone could now create their own digital hangouts. These spaces had text channels, voice chat, bot support, and special rules. This made it super easy for groups to stay organized and safe.
By 2017, Discord was on fire. It was adding a million new users every single week! And it wasn’t just gamers anymore. K-pop fans, coding groups, study buddies, and online classrooms all joined in.
Apps like Discord showed that anyone could build a strong online group. Unlike other apps that showed you random posts with tricky algorithms, Discord focused on private, invite-only servers. This gave people more control over who they chatted with. And honestly, that’s what people were starting to want — more private and cozy spaces online.
Because of this, Discord became a huge example. Every mobile app development company started studying it when planning their next big app idea.
Today, Discord has tons of cool features. It still offers fast voice chat and real-time text messages. Plus, you can connect it to Spotify, Twitch, and YouTube. It also gives community leaders strong tools to keep groups safe and fun.
Reports say Discord now has over 150 million people using it every month. Some even say it’s closer to 200 million! That’s huge. And all this success proves something important: if you build a strong MVP during the early days of app development, your platform can grow like crazy.
Discord’s journey from a simple gaming tool to a giant community platform is amazing. It changed how we all hang out online. It also taught every mobile app development company a big lesson: careful planning and smart design can go a long way.
By 2025, Discord hit some awesome milestones. It had over 100 million monthly users and 6.7 million active servers. It even made $120 million in a year! That’s no small deal.
The secret behind this success? Discord combined text, voice, and video into one easy system. Plus, it made sure users felt safe and could personalize their spaces.
If you’re a startup dreaming of making the next big app like Discord, here’s the key: find a great mobile app development company and start with a smart MVP. It really matters. So, if you learn from apps like Discord and team up with a trusted mobile app development company, your app idea has a real shot at success.
What are the Key Features of Discord?
If you want to build an app like Discord, first, you need to know what makes it so good. It’s not just one big feature. Instead, it’s a mix of many small things that work well together. This combo helps people talk and share easily in groups. Any mobile app development company that wants to build something like Discord must focus on these key features. It’s even more important when you’re creating a strong MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
Servers and Channels
These are the basic building blocks. Every app like Discord must have them.
- Servers: Think of these as buildings where different groups live. Each one is separate. You must design this part well to build a great app.
- Channels: These are like rooms inside each building.
- Text Channels: People use these to chat, share links, or make announcements. You can also create threads to keep talks neat. This helps everyone stay focused. It’s a must for any mobile app development company.
- Voice Channels: These are for live voice chats. You can see who’s in the channel and join anytime. It’s very easy to use. That’s why it should be in your MVP.
DMs and Group DMs
Not everything should be public. People also need ways to talk in private.
- One-on-One DMs: This is for two people to chat privately.
- Group DMs: These are small group chats, used by friends or teams. You must add both types if you’re serious about building a Discord-like app.
Voice, Video, and Screen Sharing
These tools help people feel closer and work better together.
- Voice Calls: These should be clear and fast, both in channels and private chats.
- Video Calls: Let people see each other during chats.
- Screen Sharing: Great for games, teaching, or showing others what you’re doing. This must be part of the MVP plan for apps like Discord.
Roles and Permissions
This feature lets group leaders stay in control.
Admins can make roles like “Moderator,” “Member,” or “VIP.” Each role can have its own powers. For example, some roles can delete messages or manage channels. This setup helps keep the group safe and organized. Any good mobile app development company knows this is key.
Real-Time Notifications
People need alerts when things happen.
- Push Notifications: Let users know when someone mentions them or shares something new.
- Custom Settings: Users can choose how many alerts they get for each channel or server. This way, they won’t feel stressed.
- Presence Status: Shows if someone is online, away, or busy. It helps others know when to chat.
File Sharing
People need to send files like photos, videos, or documents.
You must think about file size, how files show up, and how to store them. These are big tech problems, but you must solve them in the MVP. That’s how users will enjoy using your app.
Integrations
These extras make Discord super useful. Any app like Discord must have them too.
- Bots: These are smart tools that help manage the server. They can play music, run polls, or welcome new users. You must allow others to create bots, too.
- Platform Connections: People should link other apps like YouTube, Spotify, or Twitch. This helps users stay in one place for many things. Use webhooks to show simple updates from these platforms. Add this early in the MVP.
Moderation Tools
Every community needs rules and ways to keep peace.
- User Control: You can block, mute, or remove users.
- Message Control: You can delete or pin important messages.
- Content Filters: These stop spam or bad words.
- Logs: Keep a list of admin actions to review later.
If you’re building an app like Discord, you must add these safety tools early. It’s key to healthy groups.
Building even some of these features takes skill. If you’re a startup or a full mobile app development company, your MVP must get the basics right. That’s how you build a strong base for your Discord-like app.
What are the Strategic Steps for Building Your Discord-Like App?
Jumping into app building without a plan is risky. Making an app like Discord takes time and care. Every mobile app development company knows that smart planning is the first step. You must have a clear roadmap before writing any code.
Market Research and Analysis
Don’t guess what to build. Look around and learn first.
- Find Your Niche: Discord is for everyone, but your app doesn’t have to be. Maybe you’re building for gamers, teachers, artists, or workers. Start small with a group that needs better tools. This helps you focus on the right MVP features.
- Study Your Rivals: Look at Slack, Telegram, Guilded, Circle, and more. What do they do well? Where do they fail? What do people want more of? A smart mobile app development company always learns from others first.
- Create Your UVP (Unique Value Point): Why will people choose your app? Maybe it’s safer, faster, or more fun. Maybe it links better with other tools. Your UVP must be clear before you start building.
Define Your App’s Goals and Features
You can’t build everything at once.
- Pick MVP Features: Focus only on the must-haves. Maybe you start with chat, roles, and DMs. Or maybe your group needs voice calls first. Launch early, test fast, and learn. A lean MVP helps you grow smarter.
- Plan to Grow Later: Your MVP is just the start. Think ahead about how to add video calls or bot support later. Build your app so it’s easy to expand. This helps avoid problems later and saves money.
Choose the Right Tech Stack
Your tools shape your app. Choose them wisely.
- Frontend (What Users See):
- Mobile: Use React Native, Flutter, or native tools like Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android). React Native and Flutter help you build both iOS and Android at once.
- Web: Use React.js, Vue.js, or Angular for browsers.
- Desktop: Use Electron or native tools. Many apps like Discord work on desktops too.
- Backend (What Powers the App):
- Use Node.js (great for real-time), Python, Go, or Ruby on Rails. Choose what fits your team and goals.
- Databases:
- SQL: Use PostgreSQL or MySQL for well-structured data.
- NoSQL: Use MongoDB or Cassandra for chat data. You might even mix both.
- Real-Time Tools:
- Use WebSockets for fast chats and updates. Tools like Socket.IO can help.
- Use WebRTC for voice and video. This is tricky to get right, so plan well.
- Cloud Hosting:
- Pick from AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure. These let you grow as more people join. Use Docker and Kubernetes to manage your app smoothly.
Build the Right Team
A great app needs a great team.
- Key Team Members:
- Project Manager: Keeps track of time, money, and goals.
- UI/UX Designer: Makes the app look good and feel easy to use.
- Frontend Devs: Build the mobile and web apps.
- Backend Devs: Build the server and database systems.
- QA Engineers: Test everything to fix bugs.
- DevOps Engineer: (Optional but helpful) Keeps the app running and updates smoothly.
- Team Options:
- In-house: Full control, but it costs more.
- Freelancers: Good for short jobs, but hard to manage long-term.
- Agency: A ready-made team with skills and tools. A good mobile app development company can guide your MVP from idea to launch.
Making an app like Discord isn’t easy. But with a strong plan, the right features, and a skilled team, you can do it. Just start smart with your MVP. Then grow from there.
What Factors Drive the Cost of Building an App like D?
Making an app like Discord costs a lot. But there’s no one set price. The total cost depends on many things. So if you want to build an app like Discord, it’s smart to know what affects the cost. This helps you plan better before talking to any mobile app development company.
App Complexity and Number of Features
This is the biggest factor. A simple app with just chat and roles costs much less. But a full app like Discord with voice, video, screen sharing, bots, and more costs way more. Why? Because each new feature takes extra time to build. And more time means more money. So, the more features you want, the higher the cost.
UI/UX Design Sophistication
Now let’s talk design. A simple, clean design costs less. But a fancy design with special animations and cool effects costs more. Sure, the app must be easy to use. But making it look amazing takes extra time and work. And that adds to the cost, too.
Technology Stack Chosen
The tools and tech you choose also matter. Some tools are harder to learn. Some are used by fewer developers. So, finding experts may cost more. Real-time tools like WebRTC need special skills. That means you may need to hire experts from a mobile app development company who charge more.
Location and Experience of the Development Team
Where your team is based also changes the price. Developers in North America or Western Europe charge more. Teams in Asia or Eastern Europe cost less. Also, senior developers charge more than junior ones. So if you want top-quality work, be ready to pay more. A good mobile app development company can help you stay on budget.
Platform(s) of Development
Making an app for just one platform, like Android or iOS, is cheaper. But if you want the app to work on both, and on the web too, it will cost more. You can use cross-platform tools to save money. But they won’t cut all costs. Keep this in mind when planning your app, like Discord.
Testing and Quality Assurance Efforts
Every chat app must be tested well. This takes time, people, and tools. And yes, that means more cost. Bigger, more complex apps need more testing. This makes sure everything works well. It also keeps users happy. So, don’t skip this step if you want a smooth app development process.
Third-Party Integrations
Do you want to connect your app with other tools? Then you’ll need extra time and money. These add-ons must work well with your app. And that takes more work. For apps like Discord, such features are super important. So, plan for it in your budget.
Post-Launch Support and Maintenance
Your job isn’t done after launch. You’ll need to fix bugs, update features, run servers, and help users. These things cost money every month. A mobile app development company will often tell you this when you plan your project.
What Are the Key Stages in a Chat App’s Development Timeline?
For example, the cost and how long it takes to build an app also depend on many things. If your app is big and complex, it takes more time. Apps like Discord need good planning to stay on track and on budget.
Phases of Development and Their Estimated Durations
- Planning and Discovery
Here, you define goals, study the market, pick features, choose tech, and plan user flow.
- Duration: 3–6 weeks
At this point, a mobile app development company helps shape your idea. You decide what goes into your MVP (Minimum Viable Product). That’s your first simple version.
- UI/UX Design
Create wireframes, mockups, and test with users
- Duration: 4–8 weeks
A clean, easy design is key. Your app must be simple to use. If you’re building an app like Discord, this step is super important.
- Frontend and Backend Development
Coding based on designs and features — this is the biggest part
- MVP: 3–5 months
- Medium Complexity: 5–8 months
- High Complexity: 8–12+ months
Good mobile app developers focus on MVP first. Then they scale to a full app like Discord. This saves time and money.
- Testing and Quality Assurance
(Test how the app works, how fast it is, how safe it is, and how users like it — this happens throughout but gets more intense at the end)
- Duration: Always ongoing, with 4–8 weeks of heavy testing before launch
You need strong QA. If you skip it, your app may crash or lag. Apps like Discord must run smoothly and fast. So testing is a big deal.
- Deployment and Launch
Set up servers, upload to app stores
- Duration: 1–3 weeks (includes app store wait time)
This step must go right. A mobile app development company makes sure the app is ready and works well at launch.
Total Estimated Timeline
- MVP: 4–7 months
- Medium Complexity: 7–10 months
- High Complexity: 10–15+ months
Starting with an MVP helps you launch faster. This is good for apps like Discord, where growing fast matters.
Factors Affecting the Timeline
Project Complexity and Scope
More features take more time. Adding new ones mid-way slows things down. Apps like Discord are complex, so stick to your plan.
Team Size and Efficiency
A big, skilled team can move faster. But they must work well together. A good mobile app development company helps keep the team on track.
Clarity of Requirements
If you keep changing your mind, it delays the project. Clear goals at the start can save you months later.
Communication and Collaboration
If the team doesn’t talk clearly, mistakes happen. This causes delays. Expert mobile app development companies are good at keeping everyone on the same page.
Number of Platforms
More platforms mean more work. Apps like Discord must work everywhere, so this takes time.
Technical Challenges
Sometimes, things break or don’t go as planned. For example, WebRTC can be tricky. But a skilled team plans for problems ahead of time.
How Can You Monetize a Community Platform Like Discord?
Unless you’re building your app just for fun, you need a way to make money. If you’re making an app like Discord, it’s smart to pick a good money plan early. This helps you earn enough to keep the app running.
Subscription Models (Freemium)
Let people use the app for free. Then offer extra features for a fee. This is how Discord makes money (Nitro plans). Many apps do this to grow fast.
- Examples: Better video quality, bigger uploads, custom emojis, cool profiles, and server perks. If you plan these features early, it’s easier to upgrade later.
In-App Purchases (IAPs)
Sell items inside the app. This works well and brings in quick money.
- Examples: Cool themes, avatar add-ons, server boosts, special bots. A mobile app development company can help make IAPs safe and smooth.
Merchandise Store
If people love your brand, they may buy stuff like shirts or mugs. You can connect your app to a shop. Your development team can help set this up.
Server Subscriptions/Tiered Access
Let server owners charge members for special content. Your app takes a small cut. This is like Patreon. It works well for apps like Discord that host large groups.
Business/Enterprise Plans
Sell custom plans to businesses. These might include added safety, reports, support, or login tools. A skilled mobile app development company can build these features during the MVP or later.
Future Integrations or Partnerships
You can also make money by working with other companies. For example, you can add paid bots or tools and get a share of the sales. Build your app to allow such features later.
The best plan depends on your users and what your app offers. Freemium works well at the start. It helps you grow fast, especially if you launch with a simple MVP.
What are the Common Challenges and How to Navigate Them?
We’ve already seen how apps like Discord can help people turn hobbies into real income. And yes, the money part is exciting. But earning cash is only one part of the whole story. Behind the scenes, making an app like Discord is not easy.
In fact, there are many problems that developers must solve to keep their platform strong and stable over time. So now, let’s look at those big challenges and how to deal with them.
Ensuring Real-Time Performance and Scalability
Fast chat, smooth voice, and clear video are must-haves in apps like Discord. And guess what? Giving that to millions of users at the same time is super hard.
How to handle it
First, the app needs a strong system in the back. This means smart setups like microservices and quick databases. Next, it must use real-time tools like WebSockets and WebRTC. Also, you need good internet helpers like CDNs and load balancers. Spreading out servers in different locations also helps. What’s more, you need to watch how the app performs every day and fix problems fast. Partnering with a top mobile app development company really helps here. They know how to build strong, fast apps like Discord from the ground up.
Maintaining User Privacy and Security
People talk and share things in these apps. Some of that info is very private. So, keeping data safe is super important. And don’t forget that rules like GDPR and CCPA must also be followed.
How to handle it
Start strong from day one. Use encryption for all data, while it’s moving and while it’s stored. Add safe login steps and double-check who can access what. Do regular checks to find weak spots. Scan all app parts for security issues. Set limits so no one can spam or hack the system. Don’t forget input checks to stop harmful stuff. Finally, clear privacy rules should be written so users know what’s going on. A good app development company will build all this into the first version (the MVP) and keep improving it later.
Implementing Effective Content Moderation
Sometimes, online spaces can get messy. People might spam, troll, or even post harmful stuff. That’s why good content control is a must.
How to handle it
You’ll need both tools and rules. Start with smart filters that catch bad words or spam. Let users report issues, too. Set clear rules for what’s okay and what’s not. Give admins tools to kick, ban, mute, and log bad behavior. In many cases, real human moderators are needed, too. Sometimes they work for the platform. Other times, they are part of the community. Either way, this is not a one-time thing. It’s a job that goes on forever. That’s why this should be planned early when building an app like Discord.
Balancing Features with Development Cost and Time
Everyone wants more features. But building them all costs time and money. Often, dreams and budgets don’t match.
How to handle it
First, stick to the MVP. That’s the smallest, most useful version of your app. Next, choose what to build based on what users really want. Don’t try to do everything at once. Plan new features step by step. Share these plans early with your team and investors. Talk about what you can and can’t do. This helps everyone stay on the same page. It also keeps the app’s cost from getting too big. That way, apps like Discord grow slowly but smartly during development.
User Acquisition and Retention Strategies
Just building the app is not enough. You need people to join and stay active. Otherwise, the platform won’t last.
How to handle it
Start by picking your main audience. Focus all your early marketing there. That means reaching out to niche groups, using forums, and maybe working with influencers. Also, it makes it easy for users to start their own servers and build small communities. Then, add fun tools, special events, and maybe even game-like rewards to keep them coming back. Keep asking users what they want and improve your app based on their answers.
The goal is to build network effects. This means the app becomes more valuable when more people use it. Planning this from the start with a smart app development company helps a lot. That way, apps like Discord grow fast and last long.
What is the Future of the Landscape of apps like Discord?
We know building and growing a community app is hard. There are so many things to handle—like safety, spam, and harmful content. But solving today’s problems is not enough. If you want to grow, you must look ahead. What does the future of online groups look like? Apps like Discord are showing us the way. So now, working with a good mobile app development company matters more than ever. Let’s take a closer look.
AI Integration and Automation
By 2025, AI will be the heart of many apps. It will help with personal touches, keeping chats clean, and doing jobs faster. Right now, apps like Discord already use AI to make things safer and smoother. Big names like Facebook and YouTube use AI too. It helps them find and remove bad content fast. This keeps users safe and helps the platform grow.
We also see tools like ChatGPT and Google’s BERT. These can read long chats and give you quick updates. That way, you don’t miss important parts. Smart mobile app development companies are adding these tools early in the process. That gives apps like Discord a strong edge. But, more AI helpers can also mean less real talk between users. That changes how people connect and may lower the role of key human members.
Enhanced Media and Immersive Features
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are changing how we use apps. Around 73% of users say AR makes apps better. The AR gaming world could hit $5.2 billion in 2024. And VR might add $1.5 trillion to the world’s economy by 2030. Users also like it when apps have both AR and VR. About 64% say they are more likely to stick with apps that do.
Cool features like 3D sound, shared whiteboards, and virtual hangouts help keep users coming back. Apps like Discord are testing these now to stay ahead. Groups that use AR during events see a 30% jump in user interest. But for these tools to work well, the app must be built right. That’s why picking the right mobile app development company matters a lot, right from the start.
Hyper-Personalization
AI also helps apps feel more personal. It learns what each person likes, then changes what they see and how they use the app. It also shows the best content for each user. This helps people enjoy the app more and stay longer. Apps like Discord get a big boost from this.
Today’s users want apps that fit their needs. So, when a mobile app development company builds an app, it must think about this early. Personal touches should be part of the MVP (minimum viable product) from day one.
Cross-Platform Cohesion
People now use many devices. They want to move from phone to laptop to desktop with no problem. That’s why apps need to work well on all screens. Discord has set a high standard here. They make sure users get the same feel and features on every device.
If you want your app to match that level, it takes planning. You need to start early. A skilled mobile app development company knows how to make sure your MVP works well everywhere.
Creator Economy and Monetization
More and more, creators want to earn money from their content. That’s why platforms now offer tip jars, paid groups, and shared income options. This helps them keep top creators and get more people to join. Discord already offers tools like these. So, if you want your app to compete, you need to add them too.
Monetization is not something to add later. Smart app developers put these tools in from the start. A good mobile app development company will help you build these into the MVP. That way, your app is ready for creators from day one.
Privacy and Security
Privacy is now a must-have, not a bonus. Users want end-to-end encryption, privacy settings, and strong safety features. AI can now spot fraud fast. Two-step login is also common. These tools give users more control and trust.
Discord keeps working on these features to protect users. So, if you want your app to grow, you must do the same. Privacy and safety should be part of your MVP plan. The right mobile app development company can make sure that happens.
Interoperability
It’s still hard, but people want apps to work well with each other. This means building tools that let users chat across platforms. Discord is already testing ways to do this. It’s a tough task, but it matters for the future.
You must think about this early on. It affects how your app is built. You need a smart and flexible MVP. This is where a great mobile app development company comes in. They help you plan ahead so your app can change with time.
Final Thoughts on What’s Ahead
New apps must keep up with big trends like AI tools, AR and VR features, personal touches, and strong safety. These are the keys to building strong communities. There’s still a big chance to stand out, especially in small, focused groups or areas that need better safety or tools for creators. Follow the lead of apps like Discord. Work with a great mobile app development company. That way, you can build a solid MVP and grow with the market.
Conclusion
Making an app like Discord is not easy. It takes time, money, and a smart plan. As we can see, the process starts with knowing what users want. Then comes deep research and setting up a clear MVP. The race to build the next big app is already on. If you skip steps or pick the wrong team, you may lose time, money, and users. Your dream could fall apart while others race ahead.
At Linkitsoft, we know how to guide you through this complex world. We’ve done it before. We help turn big ideas into working apps. We help you grow fast and avoid big mistakes. So, don’t wait. Talk to us before your rivals do. Let’s build your future community app—together. Because waiting too long could cost you everything.
